Will Russia Pull Out?
Outside Gori , Georgia
Well according to all the Russian troops, we’re supposed to be pulling out of positions at noon (that is when the big hand and the little hand on the watch, are together and pointing to the top.)
Now, as they say, try to stay fashionable and explain to me how come when we approached Gori, after the big hand little hand scenario whilst still in the sovereign nation of Georgia.
We approached and past through a Russian Military checkpoint some 10 KM’s outside Gori on the road to the capital Tbilisi.
Only to drive on and come to a complete stop to be turned around by guess who ?
There on the highway leading into Gori, in the country of Georgia was a Russian Officer who said that unless we had Russian Media Accreditation approved by the Kremlin or Russian Authorities, we may not proceed along a Georgian road into a Georgian city that was supposed to of been clear of Russian troops at midday.
Then again the artillery still on the hills dug in, plus the APC’s on the road, ohh and the camp of Russian soldiers.
Driving outside Gori , Georgia
Call me cynical, but I laugh when I got back to the hotel in Tbilisi an hour later and there on an opposition cable network was a running headline banner on the bottom of the screen “Russian Troops begin pullout.” If they bothered to leave the Presidential Suite they occupy on the sixth floor and drive up the road rather than rely on wires from agencies, that have been so inaccurate and propaganda tools for both governments in this conflict, then perhaps they could report the news.
So where does this leave us, the bottom line is I do not believe anything that I have not seen with my own eyes.
And from behind these hazel irises, the Russian troops remain in Georgia.
The next time someone comes up with a time, just double check which day, week, month and year they mean when they say noon.
Mal James is a FOX News Channel international cameraman, based out of London. He most recently reported on the Russia-Georgia conflict with FNC reporter Steve Harrigan. In the past, Mal has traveled across the globe to cover the war in Iraq; to North Korea to visit the N.Y. Philharmonic during its historic trip; and Jerusalem to visit the purported King Herod's tomb. 
“Quibble”- To evade the truth or importance of an issue by raising trivial distinctions and objections. Historically, the Russians have mastered the art of evading the truth of their actions by describing them in a deceptive way. They may say they are withdrawing from Georgia, but they may be defining Georgia differently from the rest of the world. Flashing back to the cold war foolishness of the ’70’s?
The Russians are going no where, and everyone knows it. The longer the Russians stay, the more damage they inflict on the local and national economy. The United States in all its blunder means nothing to the Russians. However, the old Soviet Regime as showed its ugly face, and they are all business. They are just beginning, greed is the order of the day. The BP pipeland will soon be in the control of the Russians, and what does the international community plan on doing about it? Nothing! The only real way to punish Russia, is to defeat their aged, undisciplined military. However this comes at the risk of hurling nuclear weapons. However don’t let the United States nuclear capabilities fool you. We have thousands of nuclear weapons pointed at Russia, as the U.S. Secretary Defense has indicated he has never trusted Russia, and our elderly in this Country feel the same way. Russia like Iran has quite a bit in common, they DO NOT care about their own people. They will suffer, as Russia’s elite get richer and fight for more land and power.
@Mal James
Keep at it! This is one of those indisputable times where eyes on the scene are worth more than all the media releases out there.
Be well and safe, and thank you.
The peace agreement permits Russians to patrol buffer zone of yet-to-be-determined size around South Ossetia. In 1990s the zone have been defined as 14 kilometers. Since the distance between the South Ossetia border and the east-west highway at Igoeti is much less than 14 km, Russian might legally stay at the point you describe while withdrawing from other places. Studying the map generally helps.
I dont know, it doesnt look likely. Btw. anyone watch that FNC special,”Russia,the angry giant”? pretty interesting. I have to comend you folks again for a job well dont covering the news.
I dont know, it doesnt look likely. Btw. anyone watch that FNC special,”Russia,the angry giant”? pretty interesting. I have to commend you folks again for a job well dont covering the news.
I dont know, it doesnt look likely. Btw. anyone watch that FNC special,”Russia,the angry giant”? pretty interesting. I have to commend you folks again for a job well done covering the news.
Mr. James,
I think this is a very important story and it is vital that we know the absolute truth about what is happening there. Thanks to your tremendous and talented camerawork we are able to see the the facts through your straegically placed lense. The two of you together, the James/Harrigan team, have been able to bring us the the story like no others can. Be careful out there and keep up the great work. I have a feeling there will be more to come on this story.
N. Hillman
I sit here in amazement at what is going on in the country of Georgia. I am
very impressed by the President and people of Georgia. However, I am not
at all pleased about the Russian’s feeling comfortable about invading Georgia
and the rest of the World not doing anything about it. Georgia and the other
break-away countries, from Russia, are doing their best to become democratic
countries. They had the false hope, as far as I see it, America would jump in
and help them. Georgia is being blown and torn apart by the Russian’s and
we sit here and say, “Russia get out now”. We had plenty of warning from
the President of Georgia to have placed troops inside Georgia and stop the
Russian’s from entering. We had plenty of time to prevent the bombings
and all the Russian troops from invading Georgia. We did nothing of any
consequence. I would think twice, if I was running a country, to even
think the USA might help in case of emergency. Obviously, it isn’t even
a remote possibility. I feel sorry for these newly formed countries who
are trying to make the best of their assets. Every time I see a news briefing
about the Georgia invasion, hear about Iran and their nuclear weapons,
the Russian’s falling back on the Soviet regime history, and Pakistan throwing
out President Musharraf, I become insistent America needs to do something
tangible to change the current tide.
1. We should bring out ally President Musharraf here to live, before he’s
assassinated. He was our ally for years and what do we have to look forward
to in Pakistan, now—death?
2. When Iran came out with their comments to the world about nuclear
weapons and “wiping Israel off the face of the earth”, we should have gone
in and bombed their nuclear facilities. No delay.
3. We owe our newly formed and old allies the backing they need to remain
democratic and safe.
4. What are we going to do about the Russian short-range missiles now
in South Ossetia? The more time we waste the worse it gets.
Don’t you see, Putin is going to continue his invasions. He wants the old
Soviet Union back. He doesn’t care about the people, of any country,
including his own. He deserves to be assassinated. I am not normally for killing.
or for invasions. However, I am for protecting and being a true ally to our
countries which believe in democracy and are trying to be freedom fighters.
However, I am fully against dictators and those who take from others. Where
does the U.S. stand on these issues? Are we going to let the women and
children of Georgia stay in internment camps? Are we going to sit here and
watch the Russian’s take over first Georgia, then the Ukraine, and how about
Poland, and who knows how many more? Putin is laughing at us as he sends
in the troops. Are we going to be one of the next? I believe so. How can
we depend on our country, either? I am way beyond disapponted. We need
to nip everything in the bud before we have an outright war, ourselves. If we
show we will take nothing from anyone, we will have less problems ahead.
Russian special forces have been in south osetta for years protecting the many Russian citizens who live there. If the president of Georgia had not sent their military in to attack and kill Russian citizens, I imagine there would still be arguments about breakaway south and north osetta, but no war. I lived in Russia very close to the border and can say that Russia was trying to protect its citizens. My take is Russia does not trust Georgia`s president, who acted rashly because he thought the US would come to his aid against Russia, and Russia will demand assurances that Russian citizens will be safe in Georgia.
This the first honest account of what is really happening in Georgia. I don’t know why their fighting, but It’s nice to hear what I believe to be an honest report from the heart.
Georgia had every right to retake South Osseta..Keep in mind that S.Osetta in within Georgia`s borders.What do you think would happen here if Mexican rebels took over Texas and wanted it to become its own country..We would roll in there and see that it didnt happen..Its the same difference..The Russians have no right to do anything there.If the S. Osseta people dont like GA.Go north..Russia is also violating the cease fire left and right.I wish that the U.S. and others would go in and help these people drive Russia out..Our Govt here in the U.S. had better show some gut with this..If not, your gonna see Russia do much more to others and soon..Dont be fooled,Putin is still calling the shots.That guy in Russia that is the so called president is nothing more than Putins puppet…